Dear Parishioners of Our Beloved St. Paul:
Praised be Jesus Christ and His Most Holy Mother Mary His Most Holy Mother!
At the Last Supper in the upper room, our blessed Lord tells his Apostle, Judas Iscariot, “What thou dost, do quickly.” The other Apostles believe that Jesus is instructing him to go out to purchase what is needed for the Passover meal, but Jesus already knows Judas’ heart. And sadly, Judas accordingly does the deed of darkness that he has plotted out of jealousy and self-centeredness. He “sells-out” his friend and Master to those who wish to destroy Him. Judas’ kiss was a lie, for with it, he showed not love, but cold-hearted betrayal against Love Himself.
Although we will not betray our Lord for 30 pieces of silver or hand Him over with a false kiss, as Disciples of Christ we must always be aware of the poisonous sin of calumny. As Judas was directly unfaithful to the Lord and, we too bear false witness when we engage in any kind of gossip. As Christians we must be cautious to not fall into this seemingly innocuous behavior which is in fact an act of betrayal and is very destructive. As our dear Lord teaches us in the Gospel…” It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” (Matthew 15:11)
We should be aware that we can destroy others with our ungoverned tongues or merely by lending an ear to malicious talk. There is a saying that goes “listening to gossip…is gossip”. How true! If there are no listeners, there would never be any gossip. The harm of gossip does not only exist in the “betrayal” of others, but the harm also lies in what we do to ourselves when we engage in it. Whether we practice gossip through speech or as passive listeners, there is no way we can continue to grow spiritually when we engage in this behavior. Spiritual growth can only take place within us in an environment completely free of any ill will.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church at #2479 teaches us about ‘Offenses Against Truth.’ Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one’s neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity.
Some of us may pride ourselves in refraining from gossip, yet as weak human beings, we may still (unknowingly) have big a problem with it. It’s possible that though we keep our tongues silent, we might still keep our ears open for any “juicy talk” that can fall our way. We might also try to “shake the tree” if we believe another person has some “chatter” or “dirt” to share with us. This is almost always done in an apparently innocent manner (recall the “kiss” of Judas), often by simply mentioning the name of someone about whom those with whom we are conversing may have very strong opinions
As we begin Holy Week, let us keep in mind, amongst many memories of our dear Lord’s Passion, that act of betrayal, hidden in the guise of a kiss. Gossip is a betrayal in a sense, as it rescinds the active commandment given to us by almighty God: To live out our lives as His true disciples, we must “love God with all our heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul…and our neighbor as ourselves.” Let us be aware of any tendency we have toward gossip and remind ourselves that gossip is the enemy of the love and faithfulness that we should render unto God. Therefore, in His Truth, what we do as Christians, we must do quickly …and that is to LOVE…our neighbor as ourselves
Please make use of this Holy Week to grow in holiness. We should make every effort to attend the Liturgies of Holy Week. All of us (myself included) should make our confessions during Holy Week so that we may celebrate Easter with soul and heart renewed. Please see the schedule for the times for confession.
Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday there will be no morning Mass. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at 7.30 in the evening. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Institution of the Blessed Eucharist, the Sacred Priesthood, and Our Lord’s command of Charity. At the mass the priest will wash the feet of twelve parishioners in memory of Our Lord’s washing the feet of the twelve apostles. This is called the mandatum, which means commandment. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until 10.00pm in the Chapel.
Good Friday: On Good Friday there will be the Solemn Liturgy of the passion and Death of Our Lord with the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. I am most grateful that a new Crucifix has been donated to the parish by a kind and generous family who wish to remain anonymous. The Crucifix has been donated in loving memory of Sharmane Cromer and Louise Loffredo. We will all have the opportunity to venerate this magnificent crucifix. Sharmane knew the Cross in a particular way so it is very appropriate that this Cross is in her memory.
Holy Saturday: On Holy Saturday morning there will be the traditional blessing of the food that will be eaten at Easter. The Great and Holy Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at 7:30pm on Saturday evening.
May we all have a very Blessed and Holy Week.
Praised be Jesus Christ and His Most Holy Mother Mary His Most Holy Mother!
At the Last Supper in the upper room, our blessed Lord tells his Apostle, Judas Iscariot, “What thou dost, do quickly.” The other Apostles believe that Jesus is instructing him to go out to purchase what is needed for the Passover meal, but Jesus already knows Judas’ heart. And sadly, Judas accordingly does the deed of darkness that he has plotted out of jealousy and self-centeredness. He “sells-out” his friend and Master to those who wish to destroy Him. Judas’ kiss was a lie, for with it, he showed not love, but cold-hearted betrayal against Love Himself.
Although we will not betray our Lord for 30 pieces of silver or hand Him over with a false kiss, as Disciples of Christ we must always be aware of the poisonous sin of calumny. As Judas was directly unfaithful to the Lord and, we too bear false witness when we engage in any kind of gossip. As Christians we must be cautious to not fall into this seemingly innocuous behavior which is in fact an act of betrayal and is very destructive. As our dear Lord teaches us in the Gospel…” It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” (Matthew 15:11)
We should be aware that we can destroy others with our ungoverned tongues or merely by lending an ear to malicious talk. There is a saying that goes “listening to gossip…is gossip”. How true! If there are no listeners, there would never be any gossip. The harm of gossip does not only exist in the “betrayal” of others, but the harm also lies in what we do to ourselves when we engage in it. Whether we practice gossip through speech or as passive listeners, there is no way we can continue to grow spiritually when we engage in this behavior. Spiritual growth can only take place within us in an environment completely free of any ill will.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church at #2479 teaches us about ‘Offenses Against Truth.’ Detraction and calumny destroy the reputation and honor of one’s neighbor. Honor is the social witness given to human dignity, and everyone enjoys a natural right to the honor of his name and reputation and to respect. Thus, detraction and calumny offend against the virtues of justice and charity.
Some of us may pride ourselves in refraining from gossip, yet as weak human beings, we may still (unknowingly) have big a problem with it. It’s possible that though we keep our tongues silent, we might still keep our ears open for any “juicy talk” that can fall our way. We might also try to “shake the tree” if we believe another person has some “chatter” or “dirt” to share with us. This is almost always done in an apparently innocent manner (recall the “kiss” of Judas), often by simply mentioning the name of someone about whom those with whom we are conversing may have very strong opinions
As we begin Holy Week, let us keep in mind, amongst many memories of our dear Lord’s Passion, that act of betrayal, hidden in the guise of a kiss. Gossip is a betrayal in a sense, as it rescinds the active commandment given to us by almighty God: To live out our lives as His true disciples, we must “love God with all our heart, with all our mind, and with all our soul…and our neighbor as ourselves.” Let us be aware of any tendency we have toward gossip and remind ourselves that gossip is the enemy of the love and faithfulness that we should render unto God. Therefore, in His Truth, what we do as Christians, we must do quickly …and that is to LOVE…our neighbor as ourselves
Please make use of this Holy Week to grow in holiness. We should make every effort to attend the Liturgies of Holy Week. All of us (myself included) should make our confessions during Holy Week so that we may celebrate Easter with soul and heart renewed. Please see the schedule for the times for confession.
Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday there will be no morning Mass. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated at 7.30 in the evening. On Holy Thursday we celebrate the Institution of the Blessed Eucharist, the Sacred Priesthood, and Our Lord’s command of Charity. At the mass the priest will wash the feet of twelve parishioners in memory of Our Lord’s washing the feet of the twelve apostles. This is called the mandatum, which means commandment. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until 10.00pm in the Chapel.
Good Friday: On Good Friday there will be the Solemn Liturgy of the passion and Death of Our Lord with the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion. I am most grateful that a new Crucifix has been donated to the parish by a kind and generous family who wish to remain anonymous. The Crucifix has been donated in loving memory of Sharmane Cromer and Louise Loffredo. We will all have the opportunity to venerate this magnificent crucifix. Sharmane knew the Cross in a particular way so it is very appropriate that this Cross is in her memory.
Holy Saturday: On Holy Saturday morning there will be the traditional blessing of the food that will be eaten at Easter. The Great and Holy Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at 7:30pm on Saturday evening.
May we all have a very Blessed and Holy Week.
Nos cum prole pia,
Benedicat Virgo Maria!
In Jesus and Mary,
Monsignor James F. Pereda
Benedicat Virgo Maria!
In Jesus and Mary,
Monsignor James F. Pereda
RSS Feed
